Unqualified practitioner’s clinic raided in Patancheru, Rs. 73,000 worth medicines seized
PATANCHERU: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) raided a quack’s clinic in Patancheru on Tuesday and seized drugs worth Rs. 73,000 from the clinic. Subrata Mandal, a self-proclaimed ‘Rural Medical Practitioner,’ ran the clinic and was found practicing medicine without the appropriate qualifications and stocked pharmaceuticals without a valid drug licence.
The raid discovered 54 different types of medicines, including antibiotics, steroids, anti-ulcer treatments, antihypertensives, analgesics, and so on, were being stored at the clinic without a drug licence. The officials also discovered numerous higher generation ‘antibiotics’ at the clinic, which might have devastating effects for public health in rural areas, including the rise of ‘antimicrobial resistance.’
The Drugs Control Administration agents collected the samples for analysis, and additional investigation will be conducted, with all offenders facing legal prosecution. Wholesalers/dealers who offer medicines to such unqualified persons, who store and sell drugs without a drug licence, are likewise penalised under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and strict action will be taken against them.
The Drugs Control Administration issues drug licenses for stocking and selling medicines as per the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Stocking of drugs for sale without a drug license is punishable under Drugs and Cosmetics Act with imprisonment of up to five years.
The administration has been consistently attentive and alert for illegal stockpiling and selling of medicines by quacks. Surprise checks were strengthened on such unqualified persons who were stockpiling and selling pharmaceuticals without a drug licence, and stern punishment would be taken against violators, according to the DCA.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
